Check and signature printing machine



March 22, 1966 A. A. GoPPERToN CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 14, 1964 March 22, 1966 A. A. GOPPERTON CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 www [nue/nf@ w March 22, 1966 A. A. GoPPERToN 3,241,481

CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 I NVEN TOR.

March 22, 1966 A. A. GoPPERToN CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 14, 1964 INVENTOR Q/zfe'w,

@Tdaf/v@ March 22, 1966 A. A. GOPPERTON CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1964 erm March 22, 1966 A. A. GoPPl-:RTON 3,241,481

CHE-CK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE Filed Aug. 14, 1964 e sheets-sheet e INVENTOR.

Qrca/ CZ. GUN/25967757@ United States 3,241,481 CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE Ardath A. Gopperton, Mount Prospect, Ill., assignor to Theodore B. Hirschberg, Jr., Chicago, Ill. Filed Aug. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 389,583 8 Claims. (Cl. 101-96) only or for printing both the amount and the signature,

but are not suitable for use as signature printing machines only. Accordingly, where it is desired to print only the signature on a check blank, a separate signature printing machine is required.

My invention is directed to a machine which may be used for printing either the amount only of a check or the amount of the check and the signature, and may also be used for printing a signature only on a check blank, thus avoiding necessity for a separate signature printing machine. To that end, I provide means whereby the printing segments or elements of the machine may be adjusted to a non-printing position and omit printing characters on xed parts of the machine, usually present in the known check writers, so that in the printing opera-y tion the signature only is printed on the check blank.

I also provide means whereby insertion of the signature plate into the machine assures operation of a counter and removal of the plate prevents operation of the counter, so that an accurate record may be kept of the number of signed checks and check blanks printed. Additionally, I provide means whereby the pressure exerted by the platen means during the printing operation may be adjusted to suit conditions so as to avoid excessive pressure when the machine is used as a signature printing machine only. A further novel feature of the machine of my invention is the provision of means guarding against overthrow of certain of the printing segments incident to a clearing operation subsequent to printing of a check. Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the detail description.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a check and signature printing machine embodying my invention, the upper section of the housing being omitted and the base section of the housing being broken away, for clearness of illustration;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the machine of FIGURE l, with certain parts broken away;

FIGURE 3 is afront view of the machine of FIGURE 1 with certain parts broken away and other parts shown in section;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 4 4 of FIGURE 3, with certain parts broken away;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of FIGURE 2, with certain parts omitted and certain other parts at the outer face of the right hand frame plate shown in elevation;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 6-6 of FIGURE 2;

Patent j ,e ICC FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 8 is a face view, on an enlarged scale, of the second cent printing segment;

FIGURE 9 is a face view, on an enlarged scale, of the signature plate;

FIGURE 10 is a face view, on an enlarged scale, of the prefix plate or sum bar;

FIGURE 11 is a front view of the sum bar latch lever and associated parts in their normal positions, with the sum bar and all but the first printing segment omitted and certain parts broken away; and

FIGURE 12 is a view similar to FIGURE ll but showing the position of the sum bar latch lever during a printing operation.

The check writing machine of my instant` invention is, in general, similar to the machine disclosed in Patent No. 2,826,140, issued March `ll, 1958, to Hubert Jagger, and is also similar to the machine disclosed in my co-pending application for Signature Printing Checkwriter, Serial No. 250,424, filed January 9, 1963, now Patent No. 3,142,251, issued July 28, 1964, and a brief description of the general construction and operation of the machine will sullice.

The main frame of the machine comprises right and left side plates 1 and 2 of irregular polygonal shape, each provided with a forwardly extending base portion 3 which defines, with the body portion of the plate, a rearwardly extending slot 4 for the insertion of the check blank or like paper into the machine. The plates 1 and 2 are secured together in spaced relation by cross rods 5 suitably secured therethrough.

A shaft 6 is suitably mounted in the plates 1 and 2 and extends through a sleeve 7 at the upper end of a sum post 8 disposed at the inner face of the side plate 1 and secured at its lower end to a slotted guide bar 9 which extends transversely of the main frame and has its end portions suitably secured in the plates 1 and 2. The shaft 6 also passes through a sleeve 10 at the upper end of a signature plate post 11 disposed adjacent the inner face of side plate 2 with its lower end anchored to the guide bar 9. The sum post 8 is of T-cross section at its lower end for reception of a prefix plate 12 of channel cross section slidable thereon. The prelix plate or sum bar, as it is frequently termed, bears a suitable legend upon its printing face, such as The Sum and also bears a dollar mark. Suitable means, referred to more fully later, is provided for actuating the prex plate 12. It should be noted that the Dollars and Cents bars or posts of my above identified application have been omitted, for reasons to be explained more fully later.

A plurality of type segments, comprising five dollar i segments 13 and 14, a cent segment 15 and a second cent segment 16 are mounted on shaft 6 for turning movement thereon, these segments being suitably spaced apart by spacing collars 17. Each of the dollar segments 1'3 and 14 is provided with an arcuate type bar having upon its printing face a series of characters ranging from 0 to "9 and arranged in seriatim order. The .second cent segment is provided with a type bar having upon its printing face characters ranging from 0 to 9, such characters being smaller than those of the type bars of the dollar segments and being each disposed immediately above a short underscoring cross bar, as shown more clearly in FIGURE 8. The type bar 4of the second cent segment 16 is further provided, in alignment with each of the printing characters thereof, with the abbreviation for cent. The type bar of the -rst cent segment 15 is similar to that of segment 16, except that the abbreviation for cent is omitted and the type bar is, accordingly, of less width `than that of segment 16. As above noted, the guide bar 9 is slotted and the slots thereof receive the -type bars of the printing segments effective for guiding the latter in the movement thereof and holding them against lateral looseness or play. In the printing operation the characters of `the segments which are to be used are disposed in alignment immediately in the vfront of the forward edge kof the guide bar 9, which determines the printing line of the machine.

Each printing segment is Aprovided with a forwardly projecting finger 20 riveted or otherwise suitably secured thereto and appropriately 'shaped and disposed to project through a slot in an index plate of an enclosing housing (not shown), as it known, such housing or casing having a base portion 21 suitably secured, .conveniently by screws, to the side plates 1 and 2 in underlying relation thereto. A number str-ip 22 is suitably secured to finger 20 at the underface of the index plate (not shown). The finger 20 is provided at its outer end with a `linger grip 23 fitting thereon with a tight friction dit so as to be removable if required. The strip 22 is numbered correspondingly to the associated printing segment .and rthe strips 22 are so disposed that the number of a strip observable through an opening in the index plate indicates that the same number of the corresponding printing segment is disposed on the printing line of the machine;.a's is known.

As will be understood from what has been said, the printing segments are independently adjustable about the shaft 6. Each of the segments 13 is provided with a two-way rack 27 formed by cutting teeth in the hu' i portion of the segment. Each of the segments 14, 15 and 16 `also is provided with a two way rack 27a extending rearward a slightly greater distance than the racks 27, for a purpose 4to :be explained later. An index bar 28 is suitably secured at its ends in the plates 1 and 2 and is disposed in rear of and above shaft 6. Bar 28 is slotted for reception of the racks of the respective segments and is provided with spring pressed ball detents which cooperate with the racks for holding the respective segments yieldingly in adjustment, as is known. A clearing yoke 29 of substantially inverted U-shape is mounted for turning movement upon the shaft 6 and -straddles the printing segments. The yoke l29 is yieldingly held in a rearward position and upon completion of a printing operation may be swung forward and downward veffective for returning to normal position such segments as may vhave been moved therefrom. Means is provided for rendering the clearing yoke ineffective when it is desired to print a number of checks -for the same amount, or to -print a signature only on check blanks. The latter means, as well as the -means for operating yoke 29 to effect a 'clearing operation, are disclosed in my 'above identified application and need not be described here .in greater detail.

The operating means for effecting a printing operation is similar to that of my above-identified application and a brief description thereof will sufce. A cam 32, rotatably mounted on side frame plate 2, is turnable in opposite directions to limited extent yby an operating lever 33 provided With a suitable handle 34. Clockwise turning of cam 3-2 is limited -by a stud 35 secured to plate 2. A link 36 is pivoted at its forward end, at 37, to cam 32 and is pivoted .at its rearward end to pintle 38 of toggle means 39 for operating inner and outer pairs of platen arms 40 and 41 rockably mounted on a shaft mounted at its ends in the base portions 3 of pla-tes 1 and 2. A platen support bar 43, mounted between arms 40l at the forward ends thereof, carries a serrated scarifying platen 44. Pllaten support bar 45, mounted between the forward ends of arms 41, carries a serrated platen 46 and a platen 47. The platen y44 is disposed to scarify the payee area of the check and platen 46 is disposed to scarify the amount or sum area of the check. Means is provided whereby the platen 44 may be rendered effective and ineffective, as desired, such means being known and not requiring detailed description here.

In performing a printing operation, assuming the printing segments to be properly adjusted, the operating lever 33 is swung forwardly and downwardly thereby extending the -toggle means 39 and moving the platens 414, 46 and 47 upwardly into pressure contact with the corresponding cooperating members. When the machine is used for printing checks, including the amount for which the check is drawn, either with or without the prin-ted signature, movement of the lever 33` downward and forward is limited by contact of the forward end of link 36 with a stud 50 secured to side plate 2. It is desirable that the Ilever 33 be moved to its maximum permissible extent in effecting the printing operation. To that end lthe cam '32 has associated therewith a segment or rack 51 cooperating with a pawl 52 pivoted on side plate 2 and held by a tension spring in position to engage rack' 51 and thereby assure full throw of lever 33. Full throw means of the character shown is known and need not be described in greater detail. Upon completion of the printing operation the toggle means 39 is retu-rned to its normal condition, by a tension spring 53 anchored to pintle 38 and to plate 2. Y `In the return movement of the operating lever `33 the clearing yoke 29, if elfective, is actuated and returns the printing segments to normal position, in which the segments 13 are disposed in a non-printing position and the segments 14, 15 and 16 are in a zero printing position, for reasons explained more fully presently. k

The type bar of each of the printing segments 13 is provided with a notch 56 in its rear lower portion and each of the type bars of the segments 14, 15 .and 16 is provided with a similar notch 57. When the printing segments are returned to normal position by Ithe clearing yoke or bail, the notches 56 of the type bars of segments 13 are disposed on the printing line of the machine in front of guide bar 9 and Vin alignment with each other and with the prex plate or sum b-ar 12. The printing segments 14, 15 and 16 are then disposed in zero printing position with their zero printing characters disposed on the printing linel of the machine. In that connection, the clearing yoke 29 is provided with a cutout or notch 58 in the right end portion thereof, as viewed from in Ifront, of such depth that in the clearing operation the segments 14, 15 and 16 are returned to zero` printing position and the other segments 13 are returned to non-printing position, as above noted.

The prex plate or sum bar 12 is held on the lower end of post 8 by a latch lever 59 pivoted at 60 'to the lower end of a swing arm 61 ixed at its upper end on the forward 'end of ya pivot =pin 62 extending through post 8. A tension spring 63, anchored at its Il PPer end to a linger 64 of arm 61 and at its lower end to latch lever 59 inward of pivot 60, at 65, holds the outer hook portion of latch lever 59 in engagement with .a stud 66 projecting from the s'um plate 12, When ythe .latter is mounted on post 8. A second ytension spring 67, of materially greater strength than spring 63, is anchored at its lower end to finger 64 and at its upper end Ito an upward projection 68 of post 8. An varm 69, fixed on the rearward end of pivot pin 62, is provided with a pin overlying arm 70 of a lever 71 pivoted on a stud 72 `fixed to side frame plate 1. In the normal non-extended condition of the toggle means 39, arm 70 of lever 71 cooperates with arm 69 for holding the s-um bar 12 in its outer position, in opposition to tension spring 67. As the toggle means 39 is extended, during a printing operation, arm 69 is released -for downward movement and tension spring 67 then becomes effective 'for swinging arm 61 in counterclockwise direction, as viewed from in front, effective `for moving the sum `bar 12 inward into Contact with the nearest one of the printing segments which may be in printing position. Assuming the printing segments to be in their normal positions, the sum bar 12 will be moved inwardly into contact with Ithe segment 14, which is then in zero printing position. Under such conditions, the machine would print in the sum area of the check three zeros immediately preceded by The Sum and a dollar mark, the irst zero being larger than the second and third zeros. Ordinarily, however, one or more of the printing seg-ments 13 would be moved to printing position and the sum bar would be moved inwardly into contact with the nearest one o-f such segments. Upon return of the operating lever 33 to normal position, after cornpletion of a printing operation, the sum bar 12 is returned to its normal outer position. The means for operating the sum lbar is similar t0 that disclosed in the Rindfleisch Patent No.v 2,697,981 and need not be described here in greater detail.

Referring particularly to FIGURES l1 and 12, it will `be noted that the latch lever 59 is provided at its upper inner corner with an inwardly projecting point or tooth 74 which, in the normal outer position of sum bar 12, is spaced outwardly a short distance from a stud 75 projecting forwardly from the upper inner corner of the base o-f post 8. When the sum bar 12 is in position o-n post 8, the tooth v74 isdisposed to pass beneath stud 75, latch lever 59 being then held with its outer end raised by stud 66, as in FIGURE 3. When the sum. bar 12 is removed, as is done when the machine is used for printing signatures only, the inner end of latch lever 59 is raised by tension spring 63 into its position shown in FIGURE l1. At the start of a printing operation, the latch bar moves inward a slight distance into contact with stud 75 and is held thereby against further inward movement, for a purpose to be described presently.

The machine -is provided with .an inking ribbon 78 windable onto and off of rearward and forward spools 79 andl 80 and passing beneath guide b-ar 9 and the printing segments, above a shield or guide member 81 pivoted at 82 :between the side plates 1 and 2. The shield 81 is provided with a Iforward extension 83 the under surface of which is serrated and cooperates with the platen 44 for scarifying the payee area of the check, when desired, suitable known means being provided for rendering the 'platen 44 effective and ineffective, as desired. The means for feeding the ribbon 78 onto and off of the spools 79 and 80 is the same as that disclosed -in the Jagger Patent 2,826,140 and need not be described more fully here, it suiiicing to state -that any suitable means may be provided for that purpose. I also provide means for providing slack in the ribbon and guarding against smudging of the check during the printing operation, such means preferably being the same yas that disclosed in my above identilied copending application. It need not be described in detail here, and any suitable means lfor that purpose may be provided.

As previously noted, when the printing segments are in normal position the segments 13 are disposed in nonprinting position, with the notches thereof being aligned With the sum bar, and the segments 14, 15 and 16 are disposed in zero printing position with the zero characters thereof on the printing line of the machine and aligned with the sum bar 12. It is desirable that in theclearing operation the segments 14, 15 and 16 be restrained against movement beyond zero position, to guard against possibility of a blank area at the corresponding portion of a printed check. To :guard against that, I provide means actuated by the clearing yoke and effective -for preventing turning movement of the segments 14, 15 and 16 beyond zero printing position in the clearing operation.

Referring to FIGURES 1, 2 and 7 a cam lever 86'is rockably mounted on a stub shaft 87 rotatably mounted in a bushing 88 secured in side frame plate 2. The cam lever 86 is disposed adjacent the right hand endof the clearing yoke and overl-ies a stud 89 secured to that end of the yoke. The lever 86 extends rearward beyond the stub shaft 87 and is provided at its rearward end with a locking linger 90 which overlies the rearward portions of the printing segments 14, 15 and 16. In the normal position of yoke 29 cam lever 86 is so disposed that nger 90 thereof is spaced above the rearward portions of segments 14, 15 and 16 a sufficient distance to permit of those segments being turned lfrom zero printing position to a non-printing position, as will appear more 4fully later. When the yoke 29 is swung downward and forward, in a clearing operation, ca-m lever 86 is turned counterclockwise, as viewed in FIGURE 7, by the stud 89, effective for movin-g the locking finger 90 downward to a position such that the rearward edge portions of segments 14, 15 and 16 will contact finger 90 when those segments are turned from a printing position other than zero to zero position. That occurs shortly before yoke 29 reaches the limit of its clearing movement and the finger 90 is `then effective for preventing overthrow or turning of the segments 14, 15 and 16 beyond zero position. Upon completion of the clearing operation the yoke 29 is released and is returned to its normal position thereby returning lthe cam lever 86 to its normal position. The segments 14, 15 and 16 may then b'e turned vfrom zero printing position to non-printing position for use of the machine for signature printing purposes only, as wil-l be explained more fully later. The segments 14, 15 and 16 may be turned from zero position to any higher printing position regardless ofthe position of the cam lever 86, the primary function of which is to prevent turning of those segments beyond zero position in the clearing operation. That assures that all of the printing segments are returned to normal position upon completion of the printing operation, thus avoiding possible confusion in setting of the segments such .as might occur if any one of the last three segments 14, 15 and 16 were turned to non-printing position in the clearing operation.

Referring to FIGURES 1, 3 and 7, the signature plate post 11 is provided at its lower end with thickened hub portion 93 Iwhich extends forwardly beyond the printing line area of the machine. Hu-b portion 93` is provided, at its lower forward corner, with a support 94 extending parallel with the printing line of the machine land spaced forwardly therefrom a distance corresponding to the distance between the sum o-r amount area of a check and the signature area of the check. The support 94 is pro- `vided at the front thereof with a lengthwise rib 95 of substantially T-shape in cross section. The ri-b 95 fits snugly in -a corresponding slot and grooves in the forward arm 96 of a signature plate 97 of substantially attened V-shape in cross section. The other arm 98 of plate 97 bears on its underface a signature, such as shown in FIG- URE 9, .and is serrated for cooperation with the signature platen 47, prefer-ably provided on its upper face with a cushion o-r pad 99 of rubber or other suitable material. As will be understood, the signature plate 97, when positioned in the machine, is suitably disposed for cooperation with the platen 47.

The side frame plate 2 is provided with a suitable opening for insertion and removal of the signature plate, as is the upper section of the casing or housing, as will be understood. Arm 98 of the signature plate is provided with a nger or extension 100 to facilitate insertion and removal of the signature plate. I also provide means whereby the signature plate may be locked in position in the vmachine or whereby insertion of the signature pla-te into the machine may be prevented. Any suitable means may be provided yfor that purpose though I preferably'provide the means disclosed in my above identified copending application, which means need not be described in detail here. When the signa-ture plate is in position in the machine, checks -for .any desired amount, within limits,

. may be printed with the signature also printed on such out a printed signature, the signature being later affixed ina suitable manner, by pen and ink or otherwise.

When it is desired to print the signature only on check blanks, the clearing yoke is disabled .by suitable known means, preferably the means. disclosed in my above identified Patent No. 3,142,251. With the signature plate properly positioned in the machine and the clearing yoke disabled, the printing segments 13 are turned to non- .printing position, if not already in such posi-tion, the segments 14, 15 and 16 are also turned lto non-printing position and the sum bar or prefix plate 12 is removed. When printing segment 16 is in zero position a stud 103, projecting from the ou-ter side off that segment, isV disposed in contact With a forward finger 1104 of a .lever 105 fixed on the inner end of stub sha-ft 87 and having an arcuate arm 106 joined t0 finger 1.04 `by an arcuate recess 107 providing a slight shoulder S at the upper end of arm 106. If the segment 16l is turned from its. zero position to a higher printing position stud 103 turns lever 105 slightly in coiunterclockwise direction as viewed `in FIG- URE 5, and thereafter segment 16 may be turned to any desired printing position above its zero position without .affecting lever 106.

When it is desired to print the signature only on check blanks, the segments 13 remain in their normal non-printing position and the segments 14, and 1.6 are turned to their non-printing positions, as above noted. When segment l16 is turned to non-printing position stud 103 turns lever 105 in clockwise direction thereby turning the stub shaft 87 in the same direction. An arm 109 is xed at its forward end to the outer end of stub shaft 87 and `is pivoted at its rearward end, at 110 to the upper arm of an angle lever 111 pivoted on a stud 112 fixed to frame plate 2 .at the outer side thereof. The angle lever 111 is provided at its lower end with a rack 113 meshing with a spur pinion 114 rotatably mounted on a stud 115 secured to side frame plate 2. The pinion 114 meshes with a segmental gear 116 mounted for turning movement on the stud 50. An interrupted or segmental disk or washer 117 is mounted on stud 50 at the outer face of gear 116. The latter is provided with a stud 118 which extends through one of two openings 119 and 120 in the washer 117. The washer 117 is of slightly reduced radius for a portion of its periphery, at 117a, Ias shown in FIGURE l. The washer 117 is of somewhat greater radius .than the segmental gear 116 and extends across the outer face of pinion 114 and the cam 32 extends across the outer face of washer 117 effective for restraining the latter against outward movement on stud 50, the washer 117 being effective for restraining the pinion 114 against yout- -Ward movement on stud 115. The opening in the segmental gear 116 is disposed in registry with the `opening in the washer .117 and when the segment 116 .is in zero printing position the stud 50 is exposed at t-he openings of the gear 116 and washer 117. Accordingly, the operating lever 33 may be swung ydownwardly and forwardly to its `full extent, until the forward end of link 36 contacts st-ud 50, for exerting maximum pressure when printing a Icheck for a desired amount, either with or without the vprinted signature, as previously described.

When print-ing a check blank with `the signature only, the pressure exerted during the printing operation preferably should be reduced to avoid unbalanced pressure and to assure a clear impression of the signature. When the printing `segment 16 is moved from its zero position to its non-printing position the segmental gear 116 and washer 1117 are turned in counterclockwise direction, as above described, t-o such position Athat the end of link 36 contacts the washer as the operating lever 33 approaches the limit of its downward and forward movement. That limits the stroke of lever 33, effective for limiting the pressure exerted by the signature plate platen 47 as and for the purpose above stated. During the signature printing operation all of the printing segments are in nonprinting position and the notches of the segments '14,

15 and 116 are disposed a slight distance rearward o-f the notches of the other segments to guard against possible marking of the check adjacent the signature area. By reversing the position of the washer 117 Ifrom that shown in FIGURE 1, the portion 117:1 thereof of 4reduced radius is disposed for contact by the forward end of link 36 thereby permitting a slightly longer stroke of the operating lever 33 ythan is possible lwith the washer in its full line position shown in FIGURE 1. In that manner, the pressure exerted during the signature printing operation may be adjusted to a certain extent as may be required. Also, during the signature printing operation the sum bar yor prefix plate 12 is removed. The latch lever 59 is Ithen held against inward movement, as previously described and as shown in FIGURE l2, thereby holding the outer end portion thereof against downward movement. That guard-s against marking o-f the face of the check such as vcould be occasioned by upward movement of the slack of the ribbon with the check blank during the signature printing operation. If the latch lever 59 were free to move inwardly along the printing line of the machine during a signature printing operation, the hooked outer end thereof would drag across the upper face of the ribbon 78, the .slack of which would be raised by the Icheck blank, thereby causing an objectionable mark or line across the face of the check blank.

As above noted, when the machine is used fo-r printing signatures only on check blanks all of the printing segments are disposed in nondprintin-g position. Further, the clearing yoke is rendered inoperable, by known means above mentioned, and is then in a position disposed slightly rearward of its normal operable position, thereby assuring that the prin-ting segments 14, 15 and 16 may be moved to non-printing position and, with the other segments l13, will remain in such position during use of the machine for prin-ting signatures only.

It is desirable, and frequently important, that an accurate record be kept of all checks and check blanks bearing a printed signature. To that end I provide a counter '123 mounted on a 'bracket 124 secured to the front wall of 'base 21 of the housing. Counter :l2-3 is .of convention-al typ-e and is provided with a rearwardly extending actuating arm having a pin 'i126 underlying the forward arm 127 of an operating lever 128 pivoted on a cross rod 5. The rearwardly extending arm 129 of lever 128 is provided, at its rearward end, with a foot A130V which .underlies a stud 131 lprojecting from the adjacent end of the signature plate platen support bar 45. A tension spring 1132 is anchored at its forward end to a down- .Wardly extending finger 133 yof lever 128 and at its rearward end to a cross shaft 134 Irotatably mounted in the base portions 3 of the side plates 1 and 2. The cross shaft 134 is included in adjustable check stop means of conventional type for limiting the extent .of insertion of a .cheek blank into the machine. Such check stop means is well known and need not be described here.

The forward arm 96 of signature plate 97 is provided, at its upper edge, with a rack 137 (FIGURES 1, 3 and 9) which meshes with Ia .spur pinion 138 fixed on the forward end of a 'stub shaft 139 rotatably mounted in the hub portion 93 of the signature Iplate post 11. Shaft 139 is provided with an element of increased diameter providing a spacer between hub portion 93 and pinion 138. A ball chain sprocket 141 is secured upon stub shaft i139 at the outer face -of pinion 138 and receives a bead or ball chain 142 of known type passed thereabout. The ball chain 142 passes upwardly over an arcuate guide strip 1143 mounted on the inner face of the side frame plate 2 and about a second ball chain sprocket 144 fixed on the inner end of a stub shaft 145 rotatably mounted through a bushing I146 secured in plate 2 adjacent the top thereof. A disc y147, shown more clearly in FIGURE =1, is pivoted at 1148 to the upper end of a link 149. Disc 147 is held in adjustment by an over center `tension spring 147er anchored at one end thereto and at its other end to side frame plate 2. The link signature.

149 is provided, a short distance from its lower end, with a lengthwise slot 150 whi-ch receives a stud 151 fixed toside frame plate 2 adjacent `the rear thereof. Link 149 is further provided, adjacent its lower end, with a stud 152 projecting through a vcircular opening 153, somewhat greater in diameter than stud 152, in the upper end of a second link 154. Link 154 is pivoted intermediate its ends `on a vstud 155 secured to frame pla-te 2 at the outer face thereof and is pivoted at its lower end, to the rearward end of a link 157. Link 157 is pivoted at its forward end, at 158 to the lower end of an arm 159 fixed at its upper end on the outer end of a -shouldered stub shaft 160 rockably mounted through the base 3 of frame pla-te 2. A stop arm 161 is fixed on the inner end of stub sha-ft ,signature plate platen support bar 45 is moved upward effective for releasing the lever 128 which is then turned .in counterclockwise direction by the tension spring 132. lThat swings arm 125 of the counter 123 downward effective for advancing the counter one number. In the return movement of bar 45 to its normal lower position, after completion of the printing operation, the

counter operating lever 128 is returned to its normal position, by stud 131, permitting upward movement of arm 125 of the counter 123 which is thus reset for a subsequent operation.k In that manner an accurate count is kept of all checks or check blanks printed while the signature plate is positioned in the machine thus providing a. record of all checks or check blanks bearing the printed When it is desired to print checks without a printed signature, the signa-ture plate is withdrawn from the machine. As the signature plate is withdrawn vthe rack 137thereof turns ball sprocket 141v in counterclockwise direction, effective for turning disc 147 clockwise fromV its position shown in FIGURE 1. Such turn- Vingmovement -of d isc 147 is effective, through the associated, linkage system, for turning stop arm 161 clockwise-to its broken line position overlying the foot 130 of the counter` operating lever 12S. The stop arm 161 is then effective for holding lever 128 against movement vthereby preventing operation of the counter 123. Accordingly, when the signature plate is removed from the -123 will be actuated incident to each printing operation in which the signature is printed ona check or a check blank. I thus provide means whereby `the counter 123 is a-ctuated when the signature plate is in the machine and is not actuated when the signature plate is removed from the machine, whereby an accurate record may be lkept of the number of checks or check blanks printed v and bearing the printed signature.

It will be understood that variations in detail may be lresorted to without departing from the field and scope of my invention, and I intend to include all such Variations, as fall within the scope of the appended claims, in this application in which the preferred form only of my invention has been disclosed.

I claim: y

l 1. In a check and signature printing machine having an inking ribbon, means defining a printing line overlying the ribbon, and a plurality of printing members individually adjustable to printing positions selectively disposingprinting characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, a prefix plate slidably mounted at'oneend'of the printing line for inward movement therealong, a signature printing plate adjacent and in advance of the other end portion of the printing line,

platen means cooperable with said members and signature plate and underlying said ribbon, operating means for effecting a printing operation, and yielding means for moving said prefix plate inwardly along the printing line incident to a printing operation and comprising a substantially horizontal latch lever pivoted intermediate its ends and extending outwardly of said printing line with its outer end yieldingly urged downward and having detachable connection to said prefix plate for removal thereof, said detachable connection being effective for restraining the outer end of said latch lever against downward movement; the improvement which comprises means for holding said latch lever against inward movement and restraining the outer end thereof against downward movement incident to a printing operation when said prefix plate is removed.

2. In a check and signature printing machine having an inking ribbon, means defining a printing line overlying the ribbon, and a plurality of printing members individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing .printing characters on the printing line and to a nonprinting position, a prefix plate slidably mounted at one end of the printing line for inward movement therealong, a signature printing plate adjacent and in advance of ,the -other end portion of the printing line, platen means cooperable with said members and signature plate and underlying said ribbon, operating means for effecting a printing operation, and means for moving said prefix plate inwardly along the printing line incident toL a printing operation and returning it to its outer position upon completion of the printing operation, said last mentioned means comprising a substantially vertical arm pivoted at its upper end, means yieldingly urging said arm about its pivot in a direction to cause movement of its lower end inwardly of the printing line, and a substantially horizontal latch lever pivoted intermediate its ends to the lower end of said arm and extending outward from the latter with its outer end yieldingly urged downward and having detachable connection to said prefix plate for removal thereof, said detachable connection being effective for restraining the outer end of said latch lever against downward movement; the improvement which comprises means for holding said latch lever and arm against inward movement and restraining the outer end of said latch lever against downward movement incident to a printing operation when said prefix plate isremoved.

3. In a check and signature printing machine having an inking ribbon, means defining a printing line overlying the ribbon, and a plurality of printing members individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, a substantially vertical prefix plate post at one end of the printing line, a prefix plate slidably mounted on the lower end of said post for movement inward along the printing line, a signature printing plate adjacent and in advance of the other end portion of the printing line, platen means cooperable with said members and signature plate and underlying said ribbon, operating means for effecting a printing operation, and means for moving said prefix plate inward along the printing line incident to a printing operation and returning it to its outer position upon completion of the printing operation, said last mentioned means comprising a substantially verticalv arm pivoted at its upper end on said post, means yieldingly urging said arm about its pivot in a direction to cause movement of its lower end inwardly of the printing line, and a substantially horizontal latch lever pivoted intermediate its ends of the lower end of said larm and extending outward from the latter with its outer end yieldingly urged downward and having detachable connection to said prefix plate for removal thereof, said detachable connection being effective for restraining the outer end of said latch lever against downward movement; the improvement which comprises cooperating abutments on the inner end of said latch lever and on said post effective for holding said latch lever against inward movement and restraining the outer end thereof against downward movement incident to a printing7 operation when said prefix plate is removed.

4. In a check and signature printing machine having an inking ribbon, means defining a printing line overlying the ribbon, and a plurality of printing members individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, a substantially vertical prefix plate post at one end of the printing line, a prefix plate slidably mounted on the lower end of said post for movement inward along the printing line, a signature printing plate adjacent and in advance of the other end portion of the printing line, platen means cooperable with said members and signature plate and underlying said ribbon, operating means for effecting a printing operation, and means for moving said prefix plate inward along the printing line incident to a printing operation and returning it to its outer position upon completion of the printing operation, said last mentioned means comprising a substantially vertical arm pivoted at its upper end on said post, means yieldingly urging said arm about its pivot in a direction to cause movement of its lower end inwardly of the printing line, and a substantially horizontal latch lever pivoted intermediate its ends to the lower end of said arm and extending outward from the latter with its outer end yieldingly urged downward and having detachable connection t said prefix plate for removal thereof, said detachable connection being eective for restraining the outer end of said latch lever against downward movement; the improvement which comprises a stud on said post and a projection on the inner end of said latch lever disposed to engage over said stud and in cooperation therewith effective for holding said latch lever against inward movement and for restraining the outer end thereof against downward movement incident to a printing operation when said prefix plate is removed.

5. In a check writer having means defining a printing line and a plurality of printing members comprising a first `group of dollar members and a second group consisting of a dollar member and two cent members, all of said .members being individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, the members of said first group having a normal non-printing position and the members of said second group having a normal zero printing position, a signature printing plate in advance of the printing line and adjacent said second group of/printing members, platen means cooperable with said printing members and signature plate, operating means for effecting a printing operation, means for inking said plate and characters on the printing line incident to a printing operation, clearing means for restoring all of said printing members to normal position upon completion of a printing operation, and means for optionally enabling and disabling said clearing means; the improvement which comprises means blocking movement of the members of said second group beyond normal position in the -clearing operation while enabling manual adjustment thereof to nonprinting position subsequent to such operation.

6. In a check writer having means defining a printing line and a plurality of printing members comprising a first group of dollar members and a second group consisting Iof a dollar member and two cent members, all of said members being individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, the members of said first group having a normal non-printing position and the members of said second group having a normal zero printing position, a signature printing plate in advance of the printing line and adjacent said second group of printing members, platen means cooperable with said printing members and signature plate, operating means for effecting a printing operation, means for inking said plate and characters on the printing line incident to a printing operation, a pivoted clearing yoke having a normal position and movable therefrom for restoring all of said printing members to normal position upon completion of a printing operation, and means for optionally enabling and disabling said yoke; the improvement which comprises a pivoted locking lever having a normal position and a locking position, said lever having a locking finger disposed in said normal position of Vsaid lever to enable manual adjustment of said members of said second group to non-printing position and disposed in the` locking position of said lever to block movement of said members of said second group from normal position to non-printing position, said lever and yoke having cooperating means effective for turning said lever from its normal position to its locking position as said yoke approaches the limit of its movement in clearing direction and for returning said lever to normal position in the return movement of said yoke.

7. In a check writer having means defining a printing line and a plurality of printing members comprising a first group of dollar members and a second group consisting of a dollar member and two cent members, all of said members being individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, the members of said first group having a normal non-printing position and the members of said second group having a normal Zero printing position, a signature printing plate in advance of the printing line and adjacent said second group of printing members, platen means movable toward and away from said printing line and signature plate and cooper-- able with the latter and with printing characters disposed on the printingline, oper-ating means -for moving said platen means toward said printing line and signature plate into cooperating pressure applying relation to the latter and printing characters on the printing line for effecting a printing operation, means for inking said plate and characters on the printing line incident to a printing operation, clearing means for restoring all of said printing members to normal position upon completion of a printing operation, and means for optionally enabling and disabling said clearing means; the improvement Which comprises means blocking movement of ,the ymembers yof said second group beyond normal position inthe clearing operation while enabling manual adjustment thereof to non-printing position subsequent to such operation, and means effective for limiting the extent of movement of said platen means toward said signature plate, when all of said printing members are in non-printing position for printing the signature on blank checks, and thereby reducing the pressure applied by said platen means to said signature plate. I

8. In a check writer having means defining a printing line and a plurality of printing members comprising a first group of dollar members and a second group consisting of a dollar member and two cent members, :all of said members being individually adjustable to positions selectively disposing printing characters on the printing line and to a non-printing position, the members of said first group having a normal non-printing position andthe members of said second group having a normal zero printing position, a signature printing plate in advance of the printing line and adjacent said second group of printing members, platen means movable toward and away from said printing line and signature plate and cooper-able with the latter and with printing chaarcters disposed 0n the printing line, operating means for moving said platen means toward said printing line and signature plate in c0- operating pressure applying relation to the latter and printing characters on the printing line for effecting a printing operation, means for inking said plate and characters on the printing line incident to a printing operation, clearing means for restoring all of said printing members to normal position upon completion of a printing operation, and means for optionally enabling and disabling said clearing means; the improvement which comprises means blocking movement of the members of said second group beyond normal position in the clearing operation while enabling manual adjustment thereof to non-printing position subsequent to such operation, and means actuated by one of the members of said second group in its movement from zero printing position to non-printing position elTective for limiting the extent of movement of said platen means toward said signature plate thereby reducing the pressure applied thereto, When all of said members are in non-printing position for printing the signature on blank checks.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Payne 10l-96 X Sadler 23S-101 Mosher 23S-101 Jagger 101-96 Ferguson et al 101-96 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A CHECK AND SIGNATURE PRINTING MACHINE HAVING AN INKING RIBBON, MEANS DEFINING A PRINTING LINE OVERLYING THE RIBBON, AND A PLURALITY OF PRINTING MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY ADJUSTABLE TO PRINTING POSITIONS SELECTIVELY DISPOSING PRINTING CHARACTERS ON THE PRINTING LINE AND TO A NON-PRINTING POSITION, A PREFIX PLATE SLIDABLY MOUNTED AT ONE END OF THE PRINTING LINE FOR INWARD MOVEMENT THEREALONG, A SINGATURE PRINTING PLATE ADJACENT AND IN ADVANCE OF THE OTHER END PORTION OF THE PRINTING LINE, PLATEN MEANS COOPERABLE WITH SAID MEMBERS AND SINGATURE PLATE AND UNDERLYING SAID RIBBON, OPERATING MEANS FOR EFFECTING A PRINTING OPERATION, AND YIELDING MEANS DOR MOVING SAID PREFIX PLATE INWARDLY ALONG THE PRINTING LINE INCIDENT TO A PRINTING OPERATION AND COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL LATCH LEVER PIVOTED INTERMEDIATE ITS ENDS AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY OF SAID PRINTING LINE WITH ITS OUTER END YIELDINGLY URGED DOWNWARD AND HAV- 